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15/02/2006
Belfast Zoo to receive award
Belfast Zoo, in partnership with Queen's University's Scholl of Psychology, has today received a prestigious ward from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ for ‘Best Research Project’.
This is the highest award given by the BIAZA, and was given for the innovative research on ‘Auditory Enrichment for Zoo-housed Gorillas’.
Belfast Zoo, and the School of Psychology also received a commendation for their research on ‘Camouflaging Gorillas', which is used at their enclosure to prevent the animals from feeling that visitors are constantly watching them.
Dr Deborah Wells, from Queen's School of Psychology, said: “These exciting projects are part of a long-term partnership between the Zoo and Queen’s University, and these significant awards underline the outstanding work that has been generated by this exciting collaboration”.
Findings from the studies showed that the introduction of classical music, and a camouflage net barrier designed to reduce interruptions from visitors, had a positive effect on the welfare of the Zoo’s ‘gentle giants’, encouraging behaviours suggestive of relaxation.
The news of the award follows some other good news at the Zoo, following the birth of a rare Malayan tapir.
Andrew Hope, Curator of Belfast Zoo said: “This is our fifth surviving calf and he is a huge achievement for all the staff at Belfast Zoo, as we are only one of seventeen zoos in Europe to have these magnificent animals. There have only been four other Malayan tapir births in the last six months world wide”.
The parents of the new arrival, Gladys and Elmer, are currently on loan from Zoos in Canada and France as part of the world wide breeding programme.
Malayan tapirs are very rare, with fewer than 50 in European zoos and a global captive population of about 150 animals.
While scientists believe there are less than 3000 left in the wild, European zoos are establishing a sustainable captive population.
Mark Challis, manager of Belfast Zoo said that they are delighted to have these critically endangered species at Belfast Zoo and it is fantastic that it has such an exceptional breeding programme too.
(EF/SP)
This is the highest award given by the BIAZA, and was given for the innovative research on ‘Auditory Enrichment for Zoo-housed Gorillas’.
Belfast Zoo, and the School of Psychology also received a commendation for their research on ‘Camouflaging Gorillas', which is used at their enclosure to prevent the animals from feeling that visitors are constantly watching them.
Dr Deborah Wells, from Queen's School of Psychology, said: “These exciting projects are part of a long-term partnership between the Zoo and Queen’s University, and these significant awards underline the outstanding work that has been generated by this exciting collaboration”.
Findings from the studies showed that the introduction of classical music, and a camouflage net barrier designed to reduce interruptions from visitors, had a positive effect on the welfare of the Zoo’s ‘gentle giants’, encouraging behaviours suggestive of relaxation.
The news of the award follows some other good news at the Zoo, following the birth of a rare Malayan tapir.
Andrew Hope, Curator of Belfast Zoo said: “This is our fifth surviving calf and he is a huge achievement for all the staff at Belfast Zoo, as we are only one of seventeen zoos in Europe to have these magnificent animals. There have only been four other Malayan tapir births in the last six months world wide”.
The parents of the new arrival, Gladys and Elmer, are currently on loan from Zoos in Canada and France as part of the world wide breeding programme.
Malayan tapirs are very rare, with fewer than 50 in European zoos and a global captive population of about 150 animals.
While scientists believe there are less than 3000 left in the wild, European zoos are establishing a sustainable captive population.
Mark Challis, manager of Belfast Zoo said that they are delighted to have these critically endangered species at Belfast Zoo and it is fantastic that it has such an exceptional breeding programme too.
(EF/SP)
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A male spider monkey, which escaped from Belfast Zoo on Saturday, 09 June, has died after being struck by a car. He was "clipped by a car" on the M2 in north Belfast. The monkey was being tracked by zoo keepers. A spokesperson said: "We are currently investigating how the escape occurred from the monkey island on which the animals are kept.
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A male spider monkey, which escaped from Belfast Zoo on Saturday, 09 June, has died after being struck by a car. He was "clipped by a car" on the M2 in north Belfast. The monkey was being tracked by zoo keepers. A spokesperson said: "We are currently investigating how the escape occurred from the monkey island on which the animals are kept.
03 November 2016
Public Urged To Boycott Belfast Zoo
The public has been urged to avoid Belfast Zoo after it was criticised over the conditions in which it keeps its animals. Appearing on the BBC's Nolan Show on Wednesday, 02 November, UUP Councillor Chris McGimpsey said that people should boycott the zoo after it received criticism from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Public Urged To Boycott Belfast Zoo
The public has been urged to avoid Belfast Zoo after it was criticised over the conditions in which it keeps its animals. Appearing on the BBC's Nolan Show on Wednesday, 02 November, UUP Councillor Chris McGimpsey said that people should boycott the zoo after it received criticism from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
06 January 2010
Cold Eye Turned On Zoo Animals
Belfast Zoo re-opened today as freezing conditions eased - only to close again shortly before noon as a blizzard enveloped eastern parts of NI. The news came as Zoo keepers began undertaking a complete head count of every animal as part of the facility's licensing regulations.
Cold Eye Turned On Zoo Animals
Belfast Zoo re-opened today as freezing conditions eased - only to close again shortly before noon as a blizzard enveloped eastern parts of NI. The news came as Zoo keepers began undertaking a complete head count of every animal as part of the facility's licensing regulations.
23 January 2009
Goodbye Circus, Hello Belfast, As New Elephants Join Zoo
One of Belfast Zoo's most iconic animals, 44-year-old Tina the elephant, will shortly be getting more company - some being former Big Top 'performers'. Tina is being joined by other non-breeding female elephants to enjoy 'retirement' and the Zoo has confirmed that some of the elephants arriving in Belfast will be from a 'circus background'.
Goodbye Circus, Hello Belfast, As New Elephants Join Zoo
One of Belfast Zoo's most iconic animals, 44-year-old Tina the elephant, will shortly be getting more company - some being former Big Top 'performers'. Tina is being joined by other non-breeding female elephants to enjoy 'retirement' and the Zoo has confirmed that some of the elephants arriving in Belfast will be from a 'circus background'.
27 August 2001
Belfast Zoo reopens farm area
Belfast Zoo has reopened the rare breeds farm area for the bank holiday weekend after a prolonged period of closure. The zoo farm area, particularly popular with younger visitors, has been closed as part of the precautions taken at the zoo since the foot-and-mouth outbreak in February.
Belfast Zoo reopens farm area
Belfast Zoo has reopened the rare breeds farm area for the bank holiday weekend after a prolonged period of closure. The zoo farm area, particularly popular with younger visitors, has been closed as part of the precautions taken at the zoo since the foot-and-mouth outbreak in February.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
